Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
Animal Care
Be a part of the largest group of volunteers at the center – taking care of the animals! Animal care volunteers can expect to:
- Clean, sanitize and scrub enclosures and cages
- Prepare animal feed including preparing fruits and vegetables, cutting meat, quail, mice, and fish
- Mopping, sweeping, dusting, washing dishes and laundry
- Assist with physical exams, giving medications, and general medical care
- Rescue and release native wildlife
Animal care volunteers are required to make a 6 month commitment of one shift per week. The shift times are:
- AM shift: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- PM shift: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Currently accepting applications for our Tier I Animal Care/Orphanage/Adobe Volunteer Program
Tier I Volunteer Program Overview
All Animal Care volunteers at Tucson Wildlife Center begin in our Tier I Volunteer Program, which provides the foundation for learning how a professional wildlife rehabilitation center operates.
Tier I volunteers play an important role supporting our staff and experienced volunteers by assisting with essential behind-the-scenes tasks that help keep the Center clean, organized, and running smoothly. These support roles directly contribute to the care and recovery of injured and orphaned wildlife.
As a Tier I volunteer, you will:
- Complete a Basic Volunteer Orientation
- Work alongside trained staff and experienced volunteers
- Assist with support tasks in our Animal Care, Orphanage, and Adobe buildings
- Learn the foundations of wildlife rehabilitation operations
- Gain familiarity with the needs and behaviors of native Arizona wildlife
- Build the skills and knowledge needed for future advancement
Because wildlife rehabilitation requires specialized training and permits, direct animal handling, feeding, and medical care are performed by trained staff and advanced-tier volunteers.
Tier I is designed as a learning and support role, allowing volunteers to gain experience while becoming familiar with Tucson Wildlife Center’s procedures and safety protocols.
Commitment Requirements
To ensure stability for the animals in our care and consistency within our volunteer program, Tier I volunteers are asked to:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Commit to one scheduled shift per week
- Maintain a minimum six-month commitment
- Complete shifts that are 4 hours during slow season and 5 hours during busy season
Reliable attendance is essential to supporting the care of wildlife. Volunteers are expected to maintain consistent attendance and communicate schedule changes as early as possible.
Tier Advancement
Volunteers who successfully complete a full busy season, demonstrate reliability, and maintain a strong attendance record may be considered for advancement to Tier II, where additional responsibilities and training opportunities may become available.
Bird and Bunny Care
Seasonal (March to September)
Our bird and bunny care (B&B) volunteers are an integral part of our center! Volunteers have hands on experience with our smallest critters.
B&B volunteers can expect to:
- Clean, sanitize, and organize indoor and outdoor cages and enclosures
- Prepare liquid and solid diets
- Feed baby songbirds and small mammals
Shift times for B&B volunteers are:
- AM: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | PM: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
An orientation and training session is required for all B&B volunteers. Volunteers must also commit to the entire baby season, which runs from about March to the end of September.
Facilities Maintenance
General “handy man/woman” to maintain plumbing, electric, carpentry, masonry, flooring, painting, etc. Proof of current tetanus vaccine is required.
Groundskeeper
Weeding, pruning, raking, other maintenance as needed.
Admissions
These volunteers are critical in helping us answer our busy phones and greet people who bring wild animals to our hospital. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year, but are looking for operators for our peak phone times, every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter. Morning and afternoon shifts are available. Admissions will expose volunteers to the following:
- Answering questions about native Arizona wildlife
- Advising callers on steps to take when finding wildlife in need of help
- Providing humane solutions to evict nuisance wildlife
- Coordinating with staff to arrange a rescue
Experience is not necessary, and training will be provided. Multitasking is a plus, as well as a general knowledge of native Arizona wildlife, but not required. Good customer service skills and ability to interact with the public in a professional manner is required. Some light clerical work (data entry) may also be expected.